Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Stands with All Komen California Affiliates to Honor the Career of Late California Senator Jenny Oropeza

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As a tribute to the late Senator Jenny Oropeza’s dedication to fostering protections for key California-state public health programs, the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in joint collaboration with the six other California-based Komen Affiliates (“the California Collaborative”), have established the Senator Jenny Oropeza Public Policy Internship position.

“Jenny was passionate about preventing cancer whenever possible and working to help those who were diagnosed”

Komen LA County seeks to honor the memory of the late Senator and her tireless efforts to advocate for public health services supporting California cancer patients. Senator Oropeza worked as a key legislative partner defending and maintaining funding for programs aimed at reducing cancer risk and increasing access to cancer screening and treatment services for Californians.

“Jenny was passionate about preventing cancer whenever possible and working to help those who were diagnosed,” said Mr. Tom Mullins, Senator Oropeza’s husband. “This honor from Susan G. Komen for the Cure means so very much to me and the rest of our family and friends and I know Jenny would be touched to be remembered in this way for the work she cared so much about.”

Senator Oropeza is remembered for her rich history of strong leadership in the face of adversity. As the child of Mexican immigrants, Senator Oropeza was the first Latino elected to the Long Beach City Council. As state Senator, she worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, even after receiving a cancer diagnosis. “Senator Oropeza is a shining example of the Komen spirit. Sharing the tenacity of our founder, Nancy Brinker, Senator Oropeza took on seemingly irresolvable public health issues, believing all Californians deserve access to care and cancer support services,” said Deborah Anthony, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Affiliate. “At Komen, we strive to end breast cancer and level the barriers to diagnosis and care facing many women. Establishing the Senator Jenny Oropeza Public Policy Internship position will allow us to continue the fight for the health services all Californians deserve.”

Ms. Rebecca Rodstein, a Master’s of Public Administration student at USC, is the first intern to serve in the Senator Jenny Oropeza Public Policy Internship. Komen L.A. County and its six California peer Affiliates are honored and humbled to continue the legacy of Senator Oropeza. The organization is proud to perpetuate the Senator’s work through its internship program, and the California Collaborative of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s public policy and advocacy efforts.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.5 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Los Angeles County Affiliate

The Los Angeles County Affiliate has distributed nearly $9 million to fund breast cancer programs and research since 1996, which have gone to provide the medically underserved and uninsured populations in Los Angeles County with screening, diagnostic tests and treatments for breast cancer through community grants. Up to 75% of net proceeds collected go directly to serving the breast cancer needs of L.A. County. A minimum of 25% of net funds are contributed to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Grants Program, funding important research to eradicate breast cancer. For more information about the Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, visit www.komenlacounty.org or call 310-575-3011. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.